POSTGAME NOTES: Belt goes back to the DL; Scutaro pleased with back, neck and running form

As expected, Brandon Belt went on the disabled list today. He has a concussion, and Adam Duvall will join the team in Philadelphia.

“That’s a bad break,” Bochy said. “He’s just coming off the DL.”

Belt has already missed 50 games this season with a broken thumb. The Giants aren’t sure how much time he’ll miss this time around. They were still trying to decide whether to put him on the 15-day disabled list or the relatively new 7-day concussion DL. For the concussion list, you have to file paperwork with MLB and get the roster move approved. (Because I guess teams would pretend guys had a concussion or something? I dunno.)

The harder part of this comes at the back end. Belt is cleared to fly to Philadelphia, but as he nears a return, he’ll have to prove that all symptoms have cleared, and he’ll have to return to his baseline reading. (Guys are tested when concussion-free, and that’s their baseline.)

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“You have to make sure he’s over it and he passes some tests,” Bochy said. “Usually it’s 2-3 days (that he’s out) and then a couple of easy days.”

The Giants hope that’s all it is, but you never know when dealing with concussions. At the very least, they’ll be without Belt this week in Philadelphia* and for the Dodgers series next weekend.

(*Poor Belt must hate Philadelphia. Two years ago he had an awful series there to finish off a 1 for 20 trip. Last year, that’s where he was forced to take a few days off because he needed to make swing changes. This year he won’t play.)

— The game story has the relevant Lincecum and Scutaro quotes, including “the split didn’t split” and “today was a good day.” You can match them up. Scutaro didn’t exactly look fast as he rounded the bases, but he was running well enough and it didn’t hurt him at all. He pumped his arms emphatically as he crossed the plate and then sprinted all the way to the dugout steps. Having trouble stopping? Nope.

“I’ve got to look good after I score,” he explained. “I was just trying to make it home. I should have gone straight from first to home instead of touching second and third.”

It’s good to have his quotes back.

For what it’s worth, I didn’t have a problem with Lincecum pitching the seventh. Bochy can often stick with his starters too long, but Lincecum’s stuff was fine. He struck out Stanton in the sixth and struck out the final two hitters he faced in the seventh. A wild pitch got him.

“I was trying to get (Johnson) to be aggressive, but I didn’t do that and the ball squirted away,” he said.

At that point, Lincecum was still a safer option than most of the bullpen.

— The game story has quite a bit on the Belt-less, Pagan-less, Crawford-less lineup that had four guys at the bottom go 0 for 13. Bochy reiterated that his big guns will get rest, so the backups have to pick it up.

— If I teach you guys anything before I bail on all this to live a sleep-filled life, let it be this: DO NOT TRUST ERRORS. The official scorekeeper here originally gave Buster Posey an error on Joaquin Arias’ throw up the line in the fourth, and for a good 10 minutes he refused to change his mind. That’s how it is in baseball, which is incredible considering how far the sport has come with analytics. There’s one guy, usually a cranky old guy (the one here in Miami is this guy) making the “error” decision, and it’s rarely overturned. DO NOT TRUST ERRORS. Find a different stat for your defense discussions.

— Alex Pavlovic Pet Project Update: The Marlins don’t show replays on their scoreboard. If Jeff Loria is doing something, usually you should do the opposite.

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— Amazing that the Marlins have Reed Johnson (37 years old), Kevin Gregg (36), Jeff Baker (33) and Garrett Jones (33) on the roster. Wonder if they live at Del Boca Vista during the season …

So, Alex chooses to take the Bochy side, and points to strike outs sandwiched around the decision…I choose to disagree with Bochy and choose to point to the LOUD contact in the 6th and 7th inning .

Giants lose.

Matthew

And, no- I am not yet ready to let go.

South City Jim

King Marty is actually giving lip service to signing AJ Pierzynski. There must be a dozen teams that could upgrade their back-up catching position and he’s still out there…wonder why? If the Giants did sign him though it could be entertaining. He certainly wouldn’t catch Lincecum so who would he catch? I’d vote for Bum. When, not if, they mix it up on the field, in the dugout or in the locker room, would Bum get him with the big hay maker or would AJ get in a good sucker punch followed by an uppercut?

Peter Johnson

The Giant beat writers are known for being Bruce Bochy Yes men, I think a national poll last year voted them the worse in MLB .

channelclemente

A-P may be many things, but he’s not a Giant’s apologist. Usually, in the pool Q&A, it’s his questions that make Bochy squirm. I’d heard the faceless voic before, but didn’t connect to A-P until Bochy called him by name the other night…while squirming.

SurfCity

heh heh

Michael Scott

I thought you said you were.

MLBSF

That’s not good if they were voted the worst.
To be honest during Bochy’s postgame conferences, there’s nothing but dead air.

Bochy scratches he huge melon head looking around for questions. Normally there’s nothing but crickets chriping.

Michael Scott

And some say that Marty isn’t an idiot?

MLBSF

Monday: Loss
Tuesday: Loss
Wednesday: Win
Thursday: Loss

South City Jim

I like Marty but he also said “if Hector were hitting .320 people could put up with it…” I hope he meant .220.

Matthew

I’m trying (kinda)..(well, not really. I feel like harping for a few more hours) (I need a drink)

Michael Scott

Link.

channelclemente

Gatorade??

Matthew

Melon Margarita…

Michael Scott

It’s OK. The only really important thing today is how my pulled pork comes out. About 2 hours of smoking to go.

Peter Johnson

I do not have a link to it, but I do remember the beat writers getting all defensive about it last year.

channelclemente

Man, on second thought, that sounds good.

Matthew

The Milly Fanatic says “book it”

channelclemente

Torture!

South City Jim

The reason the G’s lost today was the offense. When they faced Despaigne I said to myself, “I don’t know what happened to this guy in the minors but he passes the eye test.” Hand had good velo and pretty good command but very little movement, especially on his fastball. Trust me, unlike Despaigne, he will get lit up more often than not. I’ve been defending Arias since ST but I have to admit he was awful today. Not just the error but a lot of easy outs early in the count. Rough day for Kobe.

channelclemente

He missed the bull today for sure. But not playing makes him coming around impossible, and they will need him the second half.

channelclemente

Puig is sitting today. The hand must be a bigger problem than advertised.

South City Jim

If I didn’t know better I’d say the Phils set their second half rotation for this series. smh

DodgersMavericksCowboysMadrid

Yoenis Cespedes AVG .251 OBP.299 HOME RUNS 14 yet some here thought/think he is a star LOL. The guy is an average player with a great arm nothing less nothing more. Future MVP LOL

Matthew

We need a good Dodger rant..please supply

channelclemente

Funny, he just hit a double off the CF wall ay O.co. You must bring him luck. BTW, Puig’s BA is falling, what’s with that.

You should be quite now, the A’s are leading the O’s 10-1 still batting in the 6th.

DodgersMavericksCowboysMadrid

Theo “the conman” Epstein has struck again. First it was Feldman then Garza now Hammel. How can other GMs fall for his trick even BIlly Beane. At least he made a mistake in the offseason for not trading Schierlholtz. The guy is down to .200 and OBP of .246 after career year last season

It was a twitter reco. Marty’s show is discussing it.
Wasn’t his idea.
FWIW

DodgersMavericksCowboysMadrid

Giants Athletics World Series book it

South City Jim

Agree. I’m not going to throw Arias under the bridge as some have, just stating the obvious for one game. The fact that he was so aggressive early in the count tells me he’s pressing, which aggravates the situation.

Matthew

He went to stoppage time. The ref indicated an extra 4 minutes, giving him one last push to score….so far , looks like nil-nil for Brownie

MLBSF

hahaha

channelclemente

Oh, I agree with you, it’s just the combination of him not playing and pressing, as you say, is sad for a guy they need. It’s a dilemma, play him more and hopefully get him contributing, hold him back, and not know whether he can contribute when the time comes.

M27
You played the game.
Loud contact stays fair, goes out of the park, goes foul or is caught.
Bloops, Quails, Snorts and Flares off 99mph velo sometimes hits chalk/paint, can’t be reached and “breaks teams hearts”.

…and he was in the Bermuda Triangle of non-protection in that lineup…tough ask.

Matthew

Late game loud contact is usually a clear indicator to the manager that doom may well be right around the corner, correct? Just a strange decision to me.

channelclemente

Bochy is really cautious with Crawford, and he’ll even be more so, I suspect, in August. That knee bruise will be there for a couple of weeks. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Arias more than is customary.

channelclemente

I’d say Pence. Have a drink.

Matthew

Contrary to popular opinion, I’m OK with that. We need him…

Matthew

Nice! Playing in a St. Louis blues club, Skinny and the Stiffs!

Matthew

(Shhhh, I’m trying to get DCMC worked up)

E-B

geez…(good thing i don’t listen to sports talk radio; their whole goal is to bait callers to call-in. remember what Flannery said in his talk show days? He’d deliberately start the show by saying something outrageous, inflammatory, just to bait callers…then, ‘change’ his stance by the end of the show.)

Bum would punch him out cold.

MLBSF

It’ll be nice to watch a St. Louis Cardinals team this evening whose manager puts the best line up on the field day in and day out.

What a joy it must be to not see their starting players benched in order to get a bunch of mediocre word I can’t say anymore going.

Maybe they’re doing it wrong. I don’t know. They’ve only won 11 championships and go to the world series every year. You’d think they’d want to “rest” players like Melon Head.

I mean look how it’s paid off for us with the 9.5 game collapse. Truly I’ve never seen anything like it.

MLBSF

I hate people that say crap just to work other people up.

Matthew

Cards fans have huge issues with Matheny…John Jay gets way too much playing time, etc.

I like him, but Bochy SCHOOLED him in the playoffs.

MLBSF

Matthew WHY are you always trying to throw a wrench in my arguments. smh

I do know Matheny lost the all star game with his horrible pitching decisions. And John Jay is awful.

E-B

ouch. I luv our beat writers, but I also sorta understand their position–they have to maintain good relationships w/ the team they’re covering, as well as their editors, and their colleagues. And, sometimes they cannot reveal some facts about a team because of confidentiality issues?

it’s not EZ, and they have to try to maintain objectivity.

but, regardless, I disagree vehemently w/ Bochy sending a pitcher who clearly was gassed, has a long well know history of not faring heat/humidity well, back out for the 7th, after he magically escaped a near disasterous 6th.

E-B

i thought the loud high flyball that Blanco magically caught was pure luck that it didn’t reach the seats.

Right, wrong or indifferent we’re all a band of brothers ans sisters here on GE who quibble about this Game called baseball that we all grew to love as kids and still love it now. Baseball brings us Joy and Pain (Frankie Beverly and Maze). We swear off of it and yet miss it during the AS break and we are miserable during day one of the offseason.

It also mirrors life in that it’s not fair. During my visits to Stanford this last yr I met Thor who needed a bone marrow match but did not succeed, ending up dying over the 4th of July weekend at the age of 39. I didn’t know him well but his passion for life was beautiful and his extended family was endless.

Hopefully we here on GE care for each other, even when we don’t see eye to eye.

Thx SCJ, Mike Scott, AlexP, for presenting the other side of today’s mystifying decision to send Timmy back out for the 7th, after he miraculously, and I mean magically, escaped a disaster in the 6th. He was clearly gassed after a stressful inning, and even he seemed to believe his day was over when he went back in the dugout.

Anyone who has followed Lincecum’s career thus far could clearly see he was gassed and should have been pulled outta the game, because we know his history, but also for the same reasons Bum & Huddy were pulled early–to shore up/prepare for the dog days heat of August.

I can accept that the reason was to allow Timmy a chance for a W (as SCJ pointed out)–that’s all so nice a fuzzy; I like that thought.

But, for Timmy, in the Florida heat+stifling humidity?

Call it a day and at least ensure him a no decision. (esp. w/ a dismal l/u that were 0-13, 4th-9th hitters today, and really, how was a W possible w/ that l/u anyway? Actually, that was the real problem today, in addition to poor young Hector not blocking an impossible pitch in the dirt that had to be thrown w/ MoB in a tied game.)

And, for those who say, “it’s just one game,” while true, I disagree. At this point, every game you can/should win, you do everything you can to win, esp. against a bad team like Marlins. They were handing this game to us, but we handed it back to them. The road trip and home games are going to be much more difficult, so this type of should-win game becomes important.

OK, just venting after a very frustrating game today, w/ a very frustratingly dismal l/u today. The guys who started today should be D replacements in a blowout game; not in a should-win game like today.

The Oracle

At any point this season do they consider sending Sanchez down and bringing Susac up? Sanchez is mediocre defensively and not hitting. Could Susac do any better? The answer, of course, is that this will never happen.

channelclemente

Anyone mention James Garner, Rockford, died this weekend.

Bapah

OK, I can’t resist since you make the same mistake over and over and I resist over and over. It’s QUIET, not quite, which rhymes with sight. Please, if I make the same mistake (over and over) correct me. Please do the same for me if my fly’s open.

E-B

i’m waiting for Vegas to post his observations on Susac, in reply to Doughnut’s question (same as yours) in prev thread.

Vegas gave us some data on the # passed balls this year. It wasn’t stellar, but I’m waiting for him to chime in w/ some real data, as he always does.

Foothills Ryan

ahhh man, they lost this game. I went up to the forest with wife and had reception most of the way and it was still 2-2. Lincecum deserved another win. I bet he wishes he had that pitch to McGehee back. There they were talking up the 50 + RBIs with just one homer and he unloads on an 0-2 hanger. That’s the breaks.

But man, what a dead zone at the bottom of the lineup. Sheesh.

Foothills Ryan

They’d probably bring up Quizno’s first.

E-B

sorry to hear of his passing.
you’re correct–this is just a game, and this is just a blog, and in the end, it doesn’t really matter in the final analysis.

Foothills Ryan

Need a scout on scene to properly evaluate how a catcher is receiving, blocking, and throwing.

And why don’t think bring up Brown? Could he possibly be any worse than any of those other losers they had in the line up today?

I mean what are they planning on doing with him anyway? Try to win a championship for Fresno?

With Pagan done for the season, this is the time to see if Brown is going to be the future. They have a spot for him.

MLBSF

I am giving you a very rare thumbs up E-B
Good job

Foothills Ryan

Good break down. I didn’t see it. Thanks.

Michael Scott

Well, Bochy has done this many many times before and it’s paid off many many times before. And what he’s *done* is to show all of his guys that he has their back and that he has confidence in them. It doesn’t always pay off in the short term but it’s why he’s considered one of the best managers and more importantly, one of the best leaders in the game. And it’s why he’s respected by all but the short sighted.

Foothills Ryan

Thanks for this post. Filled in my impression of the game quite well.

E-B

well Footy, you were the wiser to go out and enjoy the great outdoors.
it was a frustrating game to watch simply bcuz we should have swept.

Vegas is not giving favorable odds for Susac before September. Sounds about right.

totalfan62

You guys are way over the top w/this dissing CC nonsense. Time to stop, & you should be the one to make that happen.

The Oracle

If they ever get to the point of considering Perez again, I’d go with Brown instead.

Peter Johnson

I am Sorry to hear about anybody dieing that young, but do not agree with we all should just not care because it is just a game. I think this blog and Giants Baseball is good for getting away from the problems of every day life, we all have are own things to deal with in life .

E-B

Mike,
I appreciate Bochy’s way of handling his guys. He treats them w/ dignity and respect (viz., Romo, a proven, WS champion, who is faltering terribly now). He gets my respect for the dignity he shows his guys.

But, there’s separation between respect/dignity, and doing what’s best for the guy and the team.

Bochy gave Romo plenty of rope, and now, he pulls him before the game gets outta hand.

In this case, while the game didn’t technically get outta hand (because Timmy did a gritty job today, despite a changeup that wasn’t biting), I would have thought he could have called it a day for Lincecum, recognizing his history of not faring well in heat/humidity, w/out it being a vote of no-confidence in him.

But, as you pointed out in prev thread, he did get 2 KO’s after the run scored…but those were really pulled outta a magic trick hat, bcuz to my i, he was outta gas and just a wet mop, physically and mentally (i.e., the balk).

Now, if the vote of no-confidence was actually the bullpen, I can fully accept that as a reason for sending Timmy back out. But, they’ve been OK these past couple of days? I think so.

Well, I hear ya, totally. I’m not knocking Bochy for showing his guys respect and treating them w/ dignity–he’s on a plateau for that.

I’m just sayin, know your guy, know his limits, and do what’s best for him and the team, when you have the opportunity, esp. in a pennant race when every game that is a should-win, should be won.

The Oracle

If Sanchez continues to provide nothing at the plate while starting 20% of the games, maybe they need to change their thinking.

channelclemente

“Puig is hitting .294/.368/.529 this month, and along with Hanley Ramirez(.296/.424/.407) is one of just two Dodgers with even 10 plate appearances in July with an OPS of at least .800.”

Are you OK with him just lying and acting like it is fact instead of spending 15 seconds verifying what he says?

Foothills Ryan

Richmond won it in 15 innings. Box scores are fun when guys go to the plate 7-8 times. Kelby Tomlinson was on base 7 times, missed the cycle by a homerun, and stole a base. Steve Okert blew his first save with Richmond. Ty Blach had a very good outing. Two of the league’s best hitters, Michael Taylor and Matt Duffy, were featured; they combined for 5 hits. Baseball.

channelclemente

I was watching Sonny Gray today in the A’s game (2 hits) and I found a scouting report and found in MiLB how ‘bad’ his whip was from time to time. It bounced around from around 1 to 5, and he was projected to be a 2.

Then I thought, that’s about what people might say about Beede as well.

It’s OK, it’s tough being a Dodger fan, and getting deleted as much he has lately.

E-B

in the final analysis of one’s life is what i meant, but i hear ya, esp. outside of Clutch’s post…

Foothills Ryan

They can option him to the minors and he get his confidence back. I suppose splitting time with Susac. Or maybe they’d give Susac a temporary bump – but I doubt they’d trust a rookie catching a game with the stakes as high as they are. We’ll see…

Yeah, I thought about Hicks sitting on the Kershaw curveball down in LA.

pacman68

Michael Scott is a communist. I live in Merica where I have a vote.

Michael Scott

Only redneck whackos call it “Merica”:

cabbie

The Timmy decision really didn’t bother me that much. It seemed to be that Timmy looked fine in the seventh inning. He got two punch outs and generally looked ok. Just bad luck on the wild pitch. And besides- who do you trust at this point to go in for him?

But really, its all a moot point, because this offense wasn’t going to score a third run today. It was absolutely lifeless. So, I get that people are questioning Bochy’s decision, but with the way we were swinging the bats, there’s no way we were winning the game. Now, speaking of the lineup construction, that is a whole other question all together…

OMT

Too bad they mean nothing the past century or so.

E-B

cabbie, yah (see my earlier post–basically agrees w/ you/others, that it was the l/u 4th-9th that was the real culprit. and, didn’t help to send a gassed starter out there. well, yah, if going to the bullpen was a bigger risk, I can sorta understand that too, but they seemed rested and OK past couple of games.)

thx for your input.

i was so steamed watching this game, so helps me to read other points of view.

Good all 3 of you were wrong, by the way listned to Pavs interview a while back how he got into Sports writing, it was a total accident he is not that big of a Sports fan .

Michael Scott

And AK-47s, no doubt.

pacman68

AK-47s are the communist weapon of choice. But you already know that.

BALDHEADSLIK1

Pablo probably threw the ball simultaneously with his left and right hand.

cabbie

Yeah, the lineup as constructed was pretty frustrating- it was pretty close to a B team lineup. But as others have pointed out, those other folks have got to play too. But to have Arias, Sanchez and Blanco out there at the same time is rough. At this point, i’d love to see what folks like Susac and Brown could do in The Show, but that’s definitely not management’s MO.

Michael Scott

Most don’t put any stock in defensive metrics because :
A. They don’t know how to utilize them
B. It’s not as easy as looking at one number
C. They only pay lip service to defense in the first place

OMT

3 runs for the bums. Probably enough for Opie

DrLefty

Blach is making a case for being next in line if they need a starter.

Peter Johnson

He hung a pitch to a very light hitting SS, who hit it for double to lead off 7th, after in the 6th hanging pitch to Stanton that he missed, hung another pitch to 3rd baseman hit 415 feet for out, hung about 3 pitches to Jones 2 of them were just foul, and would have been HRs.

Michael Scott

Redneck whackos think that because they think the government is run by commies who want to take your guns.

DrLefty

Lincecum has pitched five quality starts in a row for the first time since August 2011, every one of them with Hector Sanchez behind the plate. Fact or fiction, right or wrong, with as much money as they pay Lincecum and as much as they need him–I bet Hector goes nowhere.

cabbie

Well, he also got two Ks after that, so clearly he had something in the tank. It also assumes that somehow are bullpen was going to keep the game tied while our offense decided to score another run, and i’m skeptical would have happened.

Michael Scott

Well, whatever happens with the Bums , the Giants are in first as they head for 8 days in Philly.

Croix de Candlestick

Pulled pork is one of the real joys of having moved from Redwood City. Of course, I should qualify since I’m replying to yo on Carolina Beach 😉

Peter Johnson

Then Timmy better throw a shut out every start, because with Sanchez hitting in the .100’s lately runs are going to be hard to come by.

OMT

But it would be so much better if Opie got rocked for 4/5 runs and took the loss.

DrLefty

Belt said it was either Scutaro or Panik–he didn’t know which.

DrLefty

He almost has. Four runs in his last five starts.

E-B

: (

nah, it wasn’t Pablo…if it was his throw that hit him, he’d a been out cold, KO’d instantly (besides, Pablo’s a great D 3B)

Peter and Lefty just reported it was from 2B, either Panik or Scoots, neither of which as 1/10 the arm that Pablo has.

Michael Scott

With the info available to anyone with internet access, why would you think he’s lying?

MLBSF

Well it looks like the Giants are going to blow yet another lead and fall into a tie with LA again.

What do you expect when Bochy puts a garbage line up on the field because the starters need rest .. you know, a whole two days after the all star break.

It was a grueling stretch Friday and Saturday, so everyone needed a day off. Too funny.

No wonder Lefty is furious tonight. smh

OMT

Then the rest of the LU has to be your best available at every other position. Arias was not the best available today. With holes at CF and 2b already plus the pitcher, don’t create a 5th hole.

TheRealKetchUp

It wouldn’t be so bad, if he didn’t try to argue with everyone who disagreed with him. Then to top it off, he lies to support his narrative. If you are a fan of that kind of behavior that’s on you, but the sheet he has said to me the through the years, I will call him out on his BS each and every single time.

BTW, he never admitted to be confused between two different players, only that he was mistaken, and only after I called him out on his BS.

TheRealKetchUp

To support his narrative

The Oracle

How’s Lefty going to feel about one guy she hates (Kershaw) intentionally hitting another guy she hates (Holliday)? For the record, as if someone’s keeping a record, that was a BS move by Kershaw.

DrLefty

There goes Kershaw hitting someone on purpose again. (At least it was Holliday, so there’s that.)

Even the ESPN announcers said it was “uncalled for.”

Kershaw is such a disgusting hypocrite and phony. He’s an excellent pitcher, but he’s a horrible excuse for a human being. He makes me sick.

DrLefty

See below. Kershaw hits Holliday, Holliday tries to take out Hanley like he did Scutaro.

It’s a veritable d**kfest out there.

E-B

i will always remember when he beaned Rowand…it hit him near the eye.
he was suspended, along w/ his thug manager Torre, who, btw, is in the League office. no wonder they’re messed up.

channelclemente

I wish he was a Giant, him or Greinke.

Michael Scott

So how is it supporting his narrative if anyone can see that he’s mistaken?

MLBSF

You’re being too hard on Dingle Fingle
lol

TheRealKetchUp

Didn’t Cain drill him in game 7 after it was out of reach?

channelclemente

Picked Kemp off first.

The Oracle

I think “horrible excuse for a human being” might be a little strong. If you’re talking about sports figures, I’d say that phrase might be more applicable to someone like Jerry Sandusky.

TheRealKetchUp

I’d take that disgusting …over any member of the Giants 25 man roster.

MLBSF

LOL wasn’t that the two trip to the mound Mattingly game?

DrLefty

I don’t agree with any pitcher hitting a batter on purpose. Not Cain and not Kershaw.

Cain, however, doesn’t travel around to churches signing books and claiming to be some great Christian example. People like Kershaw make me want to puke.

DodgersMavericksCowboysMadrid

Is Kershaw human? Is such a privilege as a Dodger fan seeing guys such as Puig and Kershaw that in maybe 10 to 15 years will go down as the greatest all round player ever and the greatest pitcher ever

E-B

yah, that was another game…

1st time, it was Torre and Kershaw, both suspended. They’re both jerks.

DrLefty

It was. Kershaw and Torre were ejected after he hit Rowand. That’s why Mattingly was acting manager.

But Kershaw didn’t bean Rowand. That was his teammate Padilla a couple months earlier. Kershaw did hit him on purpose in retaliation, and he was suspended for it. The next year he hit Gerardo Parra on purpose and was disciplined for that, too.

E-B

h y p o c r i t e
to the max.

same problem w/ Braun–he was so deliberate/staged w/ his contrived denials of PEDs, even scolding the drug testing program…when in fact, he was guilty as charged all along.

The Oracle

Kershaw’s move was just another example of the dumb code of baseball, taken to an extreme. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t have been thrown out right there.

I still don’t know how the Cardinals win. They’re like the Giants and do it with smoke and mirrors. Look at the St. Louis line up. There’s nobody that scares you. It’s unbelievable.

TheRealKetchUp

Who checks to see he isn’t lying other than me?

DrLefty

Fair enough. If he weren’t claiming to be a follower of the Prince of Peace as he hurting people on purpose, I’m sure I wouldn’t feel as strongly.

DodgersMavericksCowboysMadrid

They got chemistry LOL

E-B

and, imagine, they’re winning w/out their real captain, Yadi

OMT

That is exactly what should happen. The ump blatantly (along with everyone else in the park and on every TV watching) knew it was intentional. If it is intentional without a doubt (which it was), then the pitcher must be thrown out of the game right then and there.

channelclemente

And two DL’ed starting pitchers.

MLBSF

lol that’s what i thought

E-B

ok. thx for real data. my bad memory. i just knew that Torre was part of the 1st suspension incident, and Kershaw followed when he hit Rowand.

yah, it was that disgusting padilla.

actually, it seems to be Dodger culture to bean guys.

MLBSF

I’m pretty sure all the adjectives we use to describe athletes are meant in the context of sports.

However, when your many ex-wives call you a horrible excuse for a human being, I bet you they mean it.

Moooooooooose

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha!

channelclemente

Uribe is 3/3.

TheRealKetchUp

Didn’t that force Torres into the lineup and lead to a World Series? Why you mad?

E-B

Joe Torre’s in the League office, that’s one of the problems.

MLBSF

Thumbs down for posting this crap on a sports blog

Michael Scott

22 HR for Norris? Look, he’s probably just distracted by all the Hooter’s babes that he told me lived with him..

BALDHEADSLIK1

I miss that guy, glue type of guy.

DrLefty

Yep. Greinke’s a known headhunter.

BALDHEADSLIK1

SMH

BALDHEADSLIK1

Tell us how u really feel Dr Lefty.

channelclemente

Me too. That whole situation was a big mistake, IMO.

Matthew

You mean roids?

E-B

went after Carlos Quentin, then turned around to say something after throwing AT HIS HEAD.

of course, what else could Quentin do? He had to charge the mound. I don’t blame him, no matter what their history from AL days.

Greinke’s not a bright guy either, lowering his shoulder into a 240lb linebacker type like Quentin. Very stupid.

I AM still furious. White flag lineup…running a starter on fumes out there for another inning. Bochy clearly didn’t care about this game, but I may be even madder at Sabean and ownership for this ridiculous roster.

channelclemente

Down lady, you’ll pop a cork.

DrLefty

I’ve heard him talk about it on the Daily Show and Colbert…does that count?

only because he’s a odder lefty, you have no valid points other than blind biased orange and black hate. if he was a giant you would be the president of his fan club.

Moooooooooose

Yeah, we didn’t have enough to cry about in 2011/12 without a sub .200 hitting backup infielder with a $21M contract to add to the festivities!!

OMT

They are an exceptional MLB Franchise. I sure don’t like ’em, but they are.

DrLefty

HAHAHAHAHA.

To be fair to Kershaw, Holliday is quite a slugger…oh, wait. It was Bourjos?

HAHAHAHAHA.

Michael Scott

And Pence had the best whole body wall slam.

E-B

Bourjos, The Peter. whew.

I think Matt Carp’s in Kershaw’s head too. His AB was stellar. (but don’t get me wrong…I only like StL when they’re beating LAD.)

channelclemente

He’s been health the last two years, and carried the Dodgers, like he did the Giants from time to time.

DrLefty

Carpenter unraveled Kershaw with a 12-pitch AB in the NLCS game where Kershaw kept his team from going to the World Series last year.

Peter Johnson

That one surprised me a little, only because it was on a 0-2 pitch, if I remember right, but Cain has always been the guy in Giants rotation to hit batters on purpose.

efrain

you obviously were not a baseball fan in the 60s and 70s when that was the norm. Pitchers like JR Richards, Seaver, Marichal, , Ryan, Drysdale routinely hit batter and it was accepted for them to retaliate for their team and own their part of the plate. Now pitchers are scared to take that step. I’m sure if the tables were turned and it was Lincecum looking to own the plate or taking a stand for the Giants, you would be more amiable to the idea. That’s why your posts are hypocritical, close minded and just plain ignorant.

E-B

yah, i remember that vividly. and Matt Carp hit a screaming line drive at the end of that battle.

TheRealKetchUp

Word

OMT

Yup he’s at his best in these nationally televised “big” games.

efrain

maybe if Giants pitchers like Romo and Lincecum had the balls to pitch inside and take steps they wouldn’t get raked as often

DrLefty

LOL at Puig in the same sentence with Kershaw and Puig as “the greatest all round player ever.” And you say WE overhype Belt. LOL

TheRealKetchUp

Exactly what I mean. This guy tells so many lies and you folks believe every word of it.

Michael Scott

@@@

TheRealKetchUp

Somebody had to. Can’t expect Zito or Lincecum to do it

Moooooooooose

He wouldn’t have been healthy with the Giants. Pacman would’ve thrown a TV on his head.

Matthew

Your wording is awe inspiring, accurate, and phrased in epic fashion.

Michael Scott

Timmy has been barely tickled for the last month

DrLefty

I’m ignorant, huh? You obviously don’t know that in the same game where Kershaw hit Rowand and got suspended, he was retaliating for Kemp being hit…by Lincecum. So don’t call me names when you don’t even know Giants history that happened FOUR years ago.

channelclemente

LOL, you may have something there.

Matthew

Dee Gordon can low fly….

efrain

one month in three years of mediocrity does not make the point less important

channelclemente

Best base runner I’ve seen in a while.

Matthew

Me three…

efrain

hahahhahahah – 4 years ago? thats not baseball history. that may be how long you have been a giants fan lady but it does not discredit the fact that we are talking about a facet of the game that is accepted and actually lost. As long as you refuse to see that then no sense arguing since you will only see it with blinders on.

DrLefty

Greinke also was the instigator in that awful brawl with the Snakes. Hit Montero on purpose and then Ian Kennedy hit him, and benches cleared. Suspensions, injuries, and Greinke was in the middle of both of those messes.

I kind of like Greinke better, though, because he’s very blunt and honest about being a money-grubbing jerk. He’s not a phony good guy like Kershaw.

MLBSF

oh i agree
I’ve never seen a better clutch-hitting team
I just don’t know how they do it. You know, much like the Giants

TheRealKetchUp

Another boring post from Surf Maui.

DrLefty

Awwww…shucks…

Matthew

Lefty has informed me that “RFD” , in this case, stands for Rat Faced D..khead

OMT

That is way funny, and truth.

efrain

uggg your post grow more tiresome by the day, geesh just drop it already

E-B

totally agree–he’s an upfront, direct jerk; no pretense and claiming to be a Christ follower, and living in His Name, etc.

if he would just be an open direct jerk like his teammate, I’d actually be OK w/ it.

be who you really are; not some idea that you imagine.

channelclemente

Did she have her drums, and march.

efrain

why would it matter, obviously it was not on purpose, didn’t ever play in a team? happens all the time, from little league on so you can’t begrudge it….

channelclemente

Huff wasn’t out there as a ringer was he.

MLBSF

My favorite part of my Sunday has been when Michael Scott, M.D. asked Lefty what was for dinner and Lefty ignored him as punishment for him attacking her for thinking Bochy lost the game.

I’ll try to think of my second favorite part of today.

Matthew

Matt Kemp can own the 6-4-3! Dude is money

BALDHEADSLIK1

Is that right?

TheRealKetchUp

Post of the day.

Matthew

It’s still yet to happen – Brownie will cuss you out, and you’ll feel whole again.

channelclemente

Guy can’t get out his own way. The Rihanna residuals, maybe.

Jacob Singer

Beast Mode Double Play!

Matthew

In certain special circumstances… Those being related to “head hunting, hypocritical jerks that cause their team to lose NLCS series”… So it’s a narrow qualification window.

Now that wasn’t nice. The Ellis brothers aren’t supposed to do that to one another.

BALDHEADSLIK1

What the Hell was Ellis doing

Moooooooooose

Lots and lots and lots of money!

channelclemente

Thinking like a Marlin?

South City Jim

He was reviewing tape of the Marlin’s baserunning prowess before the game.

BALDHEADSLIK1

Im good , cant watch it on Sunday

BALDHEADSLIK1

Scott Van Slyke is a strange looking man.

channelclemente

Although he was on an 0 for 12 run of bad luck, Duval went 2/5 last night with a single and a double.

E-B

dang, seth maness

Surf Maui

Honor student at the Puig-Ruben Rivera School of Baserunning

Matthew

He is clearly inspired by B Weezy, who is trying his hardest to become as ugly as possible

DrLefty

Yeah, that’s another point. The Marlins helped Timmy out considerably by getting three runners thrown out at third base. He was lucky and gritty to get through the sixth tied 2-2, but he wasn’t fooling people today. All the more reason…well, you know.

I actually think the one by Stanton was the worst. McGehee is Honus Wagner with runners in scoring position this year and he tries to take third when he’s already in scoring position. Bush league baseball.

pacman68

I hope Duvall does well. I feel sorry for BB9.

Michael Scott

Didn’t last long for Pill.

South City Jim

Kershaw’s better than Zito every which way except one…facing the Cardinals in St. Louis. LOL

If Wilson gives this up he might not pitch in a meaningful game until next April.

Matthew

Exactly…I had his back until that moment…

OMT

Yeah, he was a cool lunatic up until he was just a lunatic.

Matthew

Wait…Donnie TT is the manager…he’ll be back

South City Jim

You’re right. What was I thinking?

OMT

I do too, but he needed to take a backup role and backup player’s salary which is what he is. Maybe helping SF avoid all the other backup role problems since 2010. If he did he would be wearing another ring from 2012. And just maybe another ring in a year like this year. Hey more power to him to take all the money he can get, so instead he went to the perfect franchise where greed is accepted and worshipped more than any other sports franchise in all of sports in this current era. Sorry, just my rant for overpaid sports players, that set me off. Jazz hands.

Peter Johnson

He never got enough steady ABs, Bochy and Sabaen have no patience for young players, Sabbaen all ready called Duvall and Panik not ready for MLB on radio . How can he trade his Minor League players for help when he ripps them on the radio.

Matthew

Thinking logically…’nuff said

DrLefty

So torn…before this game started I was rooting for 15 innings. Do I still want that, or do I want Wilson to be the losing pitcher?

OMT

That’s ez… Losah

channelclemente

Conflicted, huh. Want to borrow a metaphorical coin.

TheRealKetchUp

Brian Wilson…. Good Giant

BALDHEADSLIK1

Beards look nice when kept up , ive grown mine out now for a few weeks now but u have to stay on top of it or else u will look a mess, a lot of work that some guys arent willing to commit to.

Michael Scott

Pill was a first baseman, he butchered LF. He was never getting Belt’s spot.

MLBSF

He is their George Kontos
Too funny

DrLefty

I thought he’d moved on to Khloe Kardashian.

TheRealKetchUp

Not me. I love people who challenge Larry B.

BALDHEADSLIK1

The latter

Matthew

Didn’t know he was a Sir-Kemp-A-Lot…

Michael Scott

Maybe it helped Pill get some extra bucks in Korea.

DrLefty

Indeed he was. Past tense.

Peter Johnson

Either was Timmy, gave up HR on 0-2 pitch, and lead off Double to weak hitting SS in 7th on 3-2 pitch ,after Hector dropped strike 3 foul tip earlier .

OMT

Yeah, there is so much less drama with that. HA!

avwh

Almost overshadowed by his “act” as a Dodger & showing up Baer & the Giants after his ring stunt.

DrLefty

Except Georgie makes major league minimum and Wilson has a guaranteed $20 mil. deal. smh

Matthew

Wow…pretty underpaid for the Dodgers….

South City Jim

if the season ended right now, JP Howell is the NL Fireman of the Year and it’s not even close.

Surf Maui

Also failed to show at the ring ceremony

avwh

Kershaw is 88-48 for his career…but just 5-5 vs. the Cardinals (which I’m sure doesn’t even include his postseason failure against them).

DrLefty

Yeah, it’s too bad they signed him back. I was hoping he’d go elsewhere. I saw they recalled nasty young lefty Paco Rodriguez, too.

giantc

Tomorrow Bochy will probably start at Arias at first because Duvall had a long flight — he will say he wants to give Arias some consecutive starts to get things going. In 120 ABs Arias is hitting .180 with a .200 OBP. He also got his first double after about 100 ABs so Bochy will try and get Arias 25 starts or so over the next month so he doesn’t miss out on that second double that is coming up. I can’t wait.

Somehow the Braves are willing to eat $18M on Uggla and the Giants are worried about eating a million or two on Arias.

The Red Sox already called up Mookie Betts that was leading the Eastern League in hitting. Matt Duffy now leads that league in hitting.

I also wish that Lincecum was able to pitch to other catchers b/c watching Sanchez at the plate is painful. John Sickels thinks very highly of Andrew Susac — of course he takes a lot of walks and has a high OBP which is frowned upon. See Arias swinging at the first pitch and hitting a dribbler to the pitcher.

South City Jim

The part that got me was it was Timmy’s moment. If it was another game, a different moment, it wouldn’t have been as bad. That could have been the last game Timmy pitched as a Giant and he stormed right through the congratulation line. No class move.

Matthew

What the heck was that slide?

Michael Scott

No way a loogy is best relief pitcher.

South City Jim

I noticed that Paco’s back as well.

Matthew

Trevor Romo

South City Jim

Fireman of the Year is not best relief pitcher. It’s usually an 8th inning guy or the best at putting out fires. Have you seen how many times Howell has come in and stopped the bleeding this year. Affeldt won it in 2009.

DrLefty

Well, you have a point, but there’s a place and a time, and that wasn’t it. And I’m telling you, I had a very good view in real time, and Wilson looked like a lunatic. A scary one.

Peter Johnson

Why are you the biggest arrogant know it all on the Blogg , like your word is the Truth .

Matthew

I want Livefree to rip on Donnie right NOW!

DrLefty

Pill seemed like a very nice young man. I hope he’s doing OK there, and I hope he gets another shot in the U.S.

avwh

Mattingly doesn’t sacrifice with Turner. Two Trips isn’t a strategist as a manager, is he?

BALDHEADSLIK1

Sergio Romo makes Dee Gordon look obese.

Michael Scott

You’re right about the “Fireman of the Year”. But I still don’t buy that Howell is the FOTY.

OMT

Romo only throws 99 mph in his dreams, though.

OMT

X-rays will be positive, I think.

MLBSF

oh no. I hope he’s okay
lol

BALDHEADSLIK1

Ouch

Matthew

And Donnie thinks it was intentional…Mensa

OMT

yikes that’s gotta smart

South City Jim

We’ll see. I actually might be thinking of a different award because I just checked and the Fireman of the Year is a different award. Whatever award I’m thinking of Affeldt got it in 2009 but I checked and it wasn’t FOTY. So you mgiht be right, but I still think Howell has saved the Bum’s bacon more than any reliever I’ve seen this year.

BALDHEADSLIK1

Mensa…. Good1

Matthew

Yeah…weak attempt on my part…I meant the potential loss…

Michael Scott

Is Millie down there rooting for a bad injury again?

Peter Johnson

on 0-2 pitch.

Matthew

Looking true

avwh

Horrible throw by Jay. He doesn’t belong in RF, if that’s representative of his arm.

OMT

Well you might have that part right

Matthew

He is the target of every Card fan for scorn…

South City Jim

I looked away for a second. Did the bums have the shift on for AGon.

Kemp struck out again. That’s what he does when there’s already two outs and the double play isn’t in order. LOL

MLBSF

I look at is a karma for the Dodgers pitchers throwing at everyone.
Only fitting the Dodger hitters take a few to the ribs. Or fingers.
Whatever works.

Are you going to give us your trained medical opinion on the injury?
lol

Michael Scott

He’s been great. But it doesn’t take much to go from hero to goat with relievers. Ask Machi and Romo.

Is Rosenthal the STL closer? I’ve said it for years. Seems like it never works bringing in the closer when it’s tied. They need the lead, it’s what they are used to. Tie game doesn’t give a closer the same urgency, and they fail, especially in the 9th when it’s tied. And I know all the “can’t use your closer from the 9th inning on to save the game at home stuff”.

Matthew

Is Jeter getting a gift of Cowboy Boots? With a big ol’ ceremony? Covered in detail? With a 30 minute pregame discussion?

MLBSF

The Dodgers have to have the ugliest bullpen in baseball
smh

MLBSF

Game is in NY

South City Jim

Unless Darvish is pitching, Pawn Stars will have better ratings.

Michael Scott

“can’t use your closer from the 9th inning on to save the game at home stuff”
That’s not the rule of thumb.

Matthew

Oh, so then a sewer rat?

OMT

But if I hadn’t brought it up, someone like you would. Thanks for proving my point.

Max

They are f”;;”;”;”;d. Another bad penny year. Unless….

South City Jim

I just saw the replay. No shift but the hit was deeper than i initially thought. Wouldn’t have mattered.

Michael Scott

You *do* use the closer to *save* the game. You got the rule of thumb mixed up.

Michael Scott

But it’s OK to make a mistake- giving sheet to the commenter who was right is not OK.

OMT

All right y’all, thanks for the bloggin’. Gotta take a respite for awhile again because I ain’t getting anything done. So it’s time, but I’ll be lurking and back when I get a lot of real life shiz done. Peace. Late. And Go Giants!

Michael Scott

And now the guy checks out rather admit his error.

OMT

You’re funny, arguing with yourself above. And I didn’t make an error. My last sentence is what most baseball people say and would be the counter to my over all “feeling” that using the closer in a tie game in the top of the ninth instead of with the lead, seems to almost never work in games that I watch. I’m sure it’s not always true. So have a great night, Dr. Jingle.

Brownie

The AAA’s have the ugliest players in general though

Michael Scott

Nobody says that the closer shouldn’t be used to *save* a game at home.

Read your statement again. If it’s a save situation the home team has the lead. It’s not a tie. Duh.

OMT said: “And I know all the “can’t use your closer from the 9th inning on to save the game at home stuf”
Who believes that the closer shouldn’t be used to save a game at home from the 9th inning on?

The poor guy got confused.

Foothills Ryan

Glad you’re taking up some extra space to rub it in. Thanks.

Michael Scott

Maybe you missed him giving me sheet for being right. Read the exchange.

Vegas Giants Fan

Called up from the Arizona Rookie League. Brett Bochy pitched another inning of relief in the little Giants game today. Keep an eye on Kelby Tomlinson. He had to switch positions (SS to 2B) to make room for Duffy. He started the season terribly hitting .203 in April. This July he’s hitting .394. He’s finally made the adjustment to playing 2nd base. Osich is starting to come around at Richmond since coming off the DL.

Michael Scott

Slow reader?

TheRealKetchUp

Naw, she F’n with French Montana now.

Foothills Ryan

Nice. Tomlinson has zero pop but hard to argue with all those swipes.

TheRealKetchUp

I’m sure he did and he might be 100 percent in the wrong. But if somebody has the balls to step to a guy like Larry B. I give them props. Not to mention he pitched his arm off for this team. Guys like him and Nen get a pass for life from me.

Foothills Ryan

The point was – who cares. No need to dig it up and put it back up top. Try loosening your grip, relax the hands and let the bat head do the work. Just a free tip.

DrLefty

They should switch them back. Duffy should play 2B, STAT!

Vegas Giants Fan

Duffy was 2nd team All Big West as a second baseman at Long Beach St. His hitting took off when he started playing in leagues that used wood bats, starting with the Cape Cod League where he was a league All-Star and his teams MVP. He hasn’t slowed down since.

Michael Scott

F your “tip”. And don’t condescend to me, pal. The guy made a big deal of insisting his stupid statement was correct. It was never a big deal to me that he made an error until he goes off on me when he was wrong. And what the hell are you- his guardian?

OMT

…in a tie game MS, in a tie game is the point. I don’t like using the closer in a tie game in the 9th. I offered the counter argument to that (before someone I knew would do it, and you took the bait anyway). He cannot get the save, after the 9th, no pitcher on the home team will be able to at this point for the rest of the game. So, when the game is still tied and it’s now the top of the 10th inning, can the closer get the save if you bring him in? No. Only a win or loss or neither. If the home team wins it in the bottom of the 10th, can the closer get the save in the top of the 11th. No. Game over. Literally. Nice talking with you, sir.

Brownie

Anyone have a meltdown today excluding yourself?

Michael Scott

This statement does not say what you claim it does:
“”And I know all the “can’t use your closer from the 9th inning on to save the game at home stuf”

OMT

Nice language. I never “went off on you”. I don’t do that. But it is folks like yourself that make me take long respites from this blog, and certainly not someone like Foothills.

Then write with clarity. The statement was wrong. You are now tacitly admitting that without being forthright about it. You could have just said that you misspoke and corrected the sentence. And that would have been the end of it.

Michael Scott

Have a nice vacation. And it’s Michael Scott -not ” Dr. Jingle.”

TheRealKetchUp

I’m kinda drunk but I see some funk between OMT and Mike Scott. Can’t wait to read the happenings. For once MLBSF and I aren’t involved. Makes me kinda sad actually.

Brownie

What’s cracking yo!!

TheRealKetchUp

Too many beers and too many Tito’s

Brownie

Sounds rough

TheRealKetchUp

Made a gang of food on the grill and hardly ate.

Brownie

what’d you grill?

TheRealKetchUp

Some chipotle chicken. Some boneless pork ribs. Some Hebrew National Hot Dogs. Some garlic bread.

How was SLO?

Michael Scott

No BFD. OMT isn’t a bad guy, he just messed up what he meant to say and then wouldn’t admit it.
What’s funny is that Footsy acts like he’s OMT’s guardian angel and then OMT reciprocates.

TheRealKetchUp

Like I said, I’m kinda drunk, and I like OMT, but I’m leaning onto your side on this beef. Then again I’m drunk so it is not official.

From your post, this describes my beef with Dingle.

Brownie

That sounds delicious. Dude, there were hot women all over. I love white women. Young, dumb and full of …… Just a joke, I was the oldest person at every bar I went to. I would move down there in a heartbeat. GF agrees too. No jobs though

Saw this photo on my Twitter feed. LOL. I guess you can’t blame the Cardinals too much for counting their chickens and printing up all their swag. They WERE up 3-1, in their home park, and only Barry Zito stood between them and the World Series.

Well, I’m not going into that. I’m not saying that the guy is a liar- just that he screwed up what he meant to say.

DrLefty

ME. I was having a fit before, during, and after Bochy sent Timmy, running on fumes, out to pitch the seventh when he’d barely survived the sixth.

That’s my boy. Mess with Timmy and you answer to me, even if you are Bruce Bochy.

Eleuthero

Missed the game. Looked like a good one except for the final score. What I really want to know is whether the scud that Timmy threw to let in the winning run was blockable? Hated to see 4-9 go a collective 1 for 21. Pablo has been getting hot and Morse has his streaks but the lack of consistency is what’s really killing their chances of mounting a big winning streak. They’re playing my hometown Phils next and they’ve just got to take 3 of 4 from the Phils … who are truly worse than their .439 percentage would indicate. I’m optimistic because the Phillies can neither pitch nor hit.

DrLefty

The Giants have this other catcher that’s worked with Timmy before. Something about the World Series and a no-hitter last year. Timmy shouldn’t be a reason not to make a change with Hector if it’s time. If Susac’s ready, bring him up and let him catch someone easy like Hudson or Cain. Have that other guy–I forget his name–catch Timmy.

Michael Scott

Hey, I’ve been told that you’re “punishing” me for disagreeing with you about Bochy. Now that can’t be true. What happened to yesterday? The cuisine, the wine? Paris?
Seriously- If I say that Bochy was a dunderhead and Tony Abreu is terrible are we all good?

Eleuthero

Beef … it’s what’s for dinner!!

Brownie

I didn’t watch the game. I know Timmy’s your boy. Did anyone give MLBSF crap for his b s prediction of the series?

DrLefty

It was a pretty bad scud. They talked about it in the Comcast studios after the game and none of them put it on Hector at all. Timmy was completely gassed. The bummer was he dug deep and struck out that guy and the next one, but the damage was done.

DrLefty

I did? I wandered off to do some other stuff after the game–did I fail to reply to something? No problem on my end. How’d the chicken and pulled pork turn out?

I get a little protective when it comes to my favorite Giant (Timmy). Even if it is Bochy.

Abreu, huh? Well–he’s no Uggla.

Eleuthero

A pity. Still, his ERA for the game was 3.86 and he hung in there when all the people not named Pence, Scutaro, and Posey (edit) were throwing up that 1 for 21. Still, the good news about Timmy is that he hasn’t blown up bigtime in a long time. Consistency is good. It’s vital. Given our lineup problems if we can get 4 of 5 pitchers to 2012 form you never know what can happen in a year when any decent team can take the NL.

DrLefty

Actually it was Posey who drove in the two runs, so he’s on the good list. From Morse through the bottom, though–yikes.

Eleuthero

Indeed … as you can see, I edited my initial erroneous post where I included Sandoval in the good list for the day. Buster’s been gangBusters of late. 🙂

DrLefty

Yes, several did. I’m sure that taught him a lesson and he’ll never do it again.

Brownie

hahahahaha

Michael Scott

Glad to hear we’re OK. It was just my fave troublemaker and I made the mistake of peeking at the comment. Talk to you later- the food was just as I wanted. And I’m a tough grader.
GNight.

Michael Scott

Well, what can I say? I do know it all.

Eleuthero

Now Boyz … play nice!! Imagine ME saying that!! Bwahahahahahaha!!!! Let’s be real … a good heated spat now and then is just fun. It’s like two brother labrador retrievers playing and it looks like they’re gonna bite each other’s heads off but, in the end, it’s just horseplay.

TheRealKetchUp

We have long standing beef.

TheRealKetchUp

Not bad.

DrLefty

Sleep well. We’ll get ’em tomorrow.

TheRealKetchUp

For someone responsible for educating our youth, I realize why the USA gets its a$$ kicked in math and science vs the ROW

Brownie

About? Tell me so I can catch up

TheRealKetchUp

LOL Fernando Rodney brought into the game in 8th inning. Closes out the 8th and starts slinging arrows. Angel’s tie it in the ninth and start slinging arrows of their own ( Trout and Pujols), before Rodney blows the game in the ninth.

TheRealKetchUp

He just lies. The other day he said some dude on the A’s had 22 homers, when he only had 8. Today he tried to lie about stats regarding Puig. He gets defensive when anyone tries to challenge him. When I point out that he lies, instead of owning it, he says oops.

Brownie

Oh yeah, Derrick Norris? You crack me up

TheRealKetchUp

Adrian Gonzalez having on off year, but still able to be out there and gets the game winning RBI. Until Belt starts playing 160 games a year he can’t be considered an All Star level player. As Bill James says, there is value in just being out there 160 times a year.

Brownie

Yeah ok, 17 million?

TheRealKetchUp

Just saw the highlights of the Ramirez-Kershaw-Holliday beanfest. Don’t see anything out of the ordinary there. You hit mine, I hit yours. Don’t see where Kershaw needed to be ejected. Holliday is one of the biggest B’s in MLB, and he also took another unnecessary slide at second base. The only fault I saw is Kershaw not drilling Holliday on his head.

TheRealKetchUp

Granted he is having a bad season, but he is still helping his team win games just by being out there. I’m not a big fan or RBI’s as an indicator of performance, but he is top 5 in the NL. Look at what happens when Belt doesn’t play. The Giants replace him with Sanchez, Arias, and Colvin.

Brownie

Dude, your statement has so many holes. Are you saying that the Giants need Belt?

TheRealKetchUp

LOL, you fell for MLBSF, hook, line, and sinker.

TheRealKetchUp

When the options are Colvin, Sanchez, and Arias, Yes the Giants need Belt.

Brownie

Repeat that again cuz you ain’t saying that when you are sober

TheRealKetchUp

I ain’t no gandoo.

Brownie

Doesn’t matter to me. I don’t judge

TheRealKetchUp

Uhhhh, I talk more sheet about Hector and Arias than any other players in MLB. I just rip Belt because of stuff that happened here years before you got here.

TheRealKetchUp

LOL

Brownie

What happened years before?

TheRealKetchUp

Yeah Norris.

Vegas Giants Fan

I just re-listened to a radio blog interview with The Giants new Director of Player Development Shane Turner. The interview was from 5/14/14 conducted by San Jose Giants radio announcer Joe Rizzo. He spoke about several players and about what he and the Giants organization are trying to accomplish. He was very excited with Andrew Sucac. Most of it had to do with his hitting. (Susac had just come off the DL) He was impressed with the way Susac throws the ball from behind the plate. One of the things he wanted to see Susac do was to learn how to call a game and to learn how to work with an older pitching staff. (something he’ll need to do when he gets to San Francisco) Susac has had issues with passed balls this season at Fresno. Some of you may remember his troubles he had with passed balls when he went to the Arizona Fall League. He eventually settled down and really impressed many people in baseball with he performance there. Does anybody remember the link Alex posted about a writer that took a scouting class (to become a major league scout) during the AFL. Two of the players this writer had to scout were Susac and Kyle Crick. His comments about Susac weren’t very complimentary (although they were pretty funny) about Susac’s problems with catching the ball.

Two things about Susac. First is I like him a lot and I can see him moving into the starting catching position for the Giants at some point in time. According to Turner Susac is commanding the strike zone as a hitter. He’s swinging at quality pitches which leads to good results.
Second. I mention the passed balls because he is going to need to improve in this area if he is going to have to catch people like Lincecum and Affeldt, as well as the rest of the staff. Turner mentioned Susac learning to call a ballgame. That and handling a pitching staff. This, I believe, is where Susac needs to improve. This will come with time and coaching. Two years ago he was having his struggles at San Jose. (per Turner and Joe Rizzo) He’s come a long way since then. If the Giants felt Susac was ready to handle the San Francisco pitching staff he would be in San Francisco now. No question in my mind. I’d rather wait until September for him to be called up to be used for his bat. He needs more time in Fresno to perfect his game. The Giants rushed Hector Sanchez and it shows. We as fans need to learn some patients when it comes to our young players. I don’t often agree with some of the things the Giants do as far as how they operate their farm system (why is Duffy still in Richmond and why is he playing shortstop) but in the case of Andrew Susac I believe the Giants are doing the right thing.

VGF

Go Giants.

TheRealKetchUp

@@@

Brownie

cool

TheRealKetchUp

@@”

Brownie

Do what you gotta do. I’m going to hit the sack. Exhausted. Have a good night bro

Vegas Giants Fan

My response on Andrew Susac is at the bottom of this post. I gave my answer to E-B if you’re interested.

The Oracle

Yeah…that’s right, Foothills. If there’s any condescending to do around here, Michael Scott can handle it just fine without your help.

Vegas Giants Fan

Is there anybody that you’re interested in the Giants going after at the trade deadline? Also, are there any players (majors or minors) that are off limits for you in pursuing any such trade?

Lunch_Box

After Friday’s game, I thought Morse was back and the All Star break did him good to rest him. However he’s looking more and more like the guy who hasn’t been hitting like he has in April and May. Could the back still be bothering him?

The Oracle

I’m not too excited with the position player names that are being floated and, of course, it all comes down to what you would have to give up. I’m really hoping they don’t trade for some marginal 2B option on the downside of his career. I like what I’ve seen from Panik, would like to see more and wouldn’t want to see another Orlando Cabrera situation. I guess I’d most like to see them go get a top notch bullpen arm, both for the rest of the season and the future as well. I did like Sabean’s comment that no one is off limits for the right deal.

Lunch_Box

I like Crawford, but this Duffy kid sure looks good. How’s his defense?

MLBSF

Well the Giants loss Sunday caused all sorts of arguments and exchanges of insults on the board and maybe you’ll be surprised to hear I loved every minute of it.

But enough of that. Now I will make my tearful second half predictions on how the season will turn out:

I realize these predictions are going to cause many tears to flow and many names to be hurled in my direction.

The good news is I will be updating these predictions after the trade deadline, because if the Giants are improved, maybe I will have more hope. Right now I can see them finishing 7-9 games back of the Dodgers since Bochy feels everyone needs so much rest.

I would also like to say that many of you have seen your individual blog grades plummet this past week. I will be issuing end of the year grades at the end of the season. They will be even more controversial than last time and I cannot wait. smh

MLBSF

You like how I made him apologize to Lefty?

Too funny how it’s always a mistake or the collapse button wasn’t working for some reason. smh

MLBSF

ClutchUp never mind that. Tell everyone the story again how you had to be put on desk duty because all the kids used to escape on your watch because you are too out of shape to jump a fence.

I’d pay so much to see that surveillance video. Believe you me. smh

Vegas Giants Fan

Do you like Adam Eaton of the White Sox? He’s a center fielder and a leadoff hitter. If you do then I can try to explain how the Giants could get him without breaking the bank.

MLBSF

smh

MLBSF

Don’t let Dr. Jingle get to you.

The Oracle

Given the current circumstances, I think Eaton would be a good get…so how do you ink they could do it?

Vegas Giants Fan

The White Sox are a messed up team. They have the worst bullpen in baseball and their farm system is so bad they make the Giants system look like the Cardinals. They have no pitching in their system. (starters or relievers) Eric Surkamp is rated as their 20th best prospect. Also, both of their DH’s (Konerko and Dunn) are old and are not performing well. Most of us here know that Adam Duvall is a DH in the waiting. The Giants farm system is loaded with relievers. (plus they never promote them, Romo being the only home grown reliever on the staff)

I would start out with Duvall and Hembree. You’d have to give them at starter so I would see if they would be interested in Stratton. I would also put in Cody Hall into the mix. The highest as far as starters are concerned would be Gregorio or Blach. Now I’m not offering all of these players I’m just putting names out to be offered. It may take a Hunter Strickland to get him but I’m not as sold on him as some others are. As I said, the White Sox cupboard is bare as far as pitchers in their system. I think they would love to have a guy like Duvall. I know there has to be some combination of our mid-level pitching prospects (starters) and some of our better relievers that could get him. I don’t mind moving 4 players to get one. That’s what I think.

Vegas Giants Fan

At shortstop it’s average at best. He was a second baseman in college. It’s most likely the position he’ll play in the majors.

Eleuthero

This is a huge week for the G-men. First, they’ve got to continue winning series against weak teams and right now the Filthies are a team in disarray and they must win 3 of 4. Then I have a problem with our starting rotation against the Dodgers. Why did they arrange the rotation coming out of the All Star Break such that the Dodgers will not have to face Bumgarner and Hudson, our two best pitchers? Bumgarner and Hudson will pitch against the Phillies. I know there are blog members with a “management knows best” general philosophy but this takes the cake. When you face your nemesis, lose or win, you want to lose or win with your best. SMH.

The Oracle

My time is extremely cheap. Eaton’ being young and still potentially improving, seems like a much better idea than many of the other names that are being floated.

Michael Scott

If you read that as an apology your wet brain has now reached end stage. As far as collapsing your pathetic self , It’s impossible to not take a look but you’re still being a squashed like a stink bug. You’re back on the no reply list, Peggy.

Michael Scott

Unless you want to join the Millie and the Moronics, you’ll continue your reasonably acceptable behavior. Wet Brain is on life support on the blog due to her racist comments, you’d do well to condemn her remarks or we’ll know that you endorse them.

Doughnut

Phils are better then their record indicates. Pitching staff is pretty decent for a team you would consider bad.

Michael Scott

I don’t condescend, I educate. You’ll do well to do more listening and less blathering.
BTW, I saw your gutsy win pick the other day. That’s the first prediction I’ve seen from Carnac the Ridiculous. Is that all you have? Let’s see some successful calls. Predicting wind from a hurricane doesn’t count.

Michael Scott

Sounds like you have a crisis of faith.

Knox Harrington

They really needed to make sure Bumgarner was facing LA in one of those 3 games. Especially when you consider LA have generally struggled to hit/beat Bumgrner. In fact he’s 5 and 1 against the Duds last season and this year.
Oh and one other thing.. Bumgarner sports a 1.93 ERA pitching at Dodgers stadium from 2011 to 2014. Not exactly a small sample size either (56 innings).
Could turn out to be a big mistake not configuring the rotation for him to go up against them early on. Any momentum right now after the teams earlier collapse (AKA Romo’s choke jobs) would be huge.

Michael Scott

Bochy is smarter than 2-Trips. You don’t juggle your rotation for a series in July. Any possible short term gain is not worth telling two starters that they are not good enough to pitch in an important series.

2holehitting

Maybe he is and he is drunk now

DrLefty

OK, before MLBSF starts shaking his head, I’m up at 5 a.m. because Junior’s registration time for fall classes is at 6 a.m., and if I don’t coffee up first, I might accidentally enroll her in organic chemistry instead of Intro to Acting.

When you’re trashing a guy for sustaining two fractured bones and a concussion, you’ve gone off the deep end and sinking fast. Given the opportunity, the Bums would snap up Belt in an instant.

DrLefty

It’s all so close right now that’s it hard to call anything, especially in the NL, but I’d definitely revisit this after the trade deadline.

I like the Angels and I love the work they’ve quietly been doing to shore up their bullpen (Street, Thatcher, Grilli) while the A’s are getting all the headlines. I like either Toronto or Tampa Bay in the AL East.

Common sense tells me that the Nats should outlast the Braves, but I thought that last year and it didn’t happen. I have no idea who will win the NL Central. I guess I like Cincinnati just because their pitching is so good.

Dodgers and Giants? Who the heck knows? The Dodgers are clearly underachieving, and the Giants are giving their fans whiplash.

efrain

It was explain in a recent blog post, perhaps here or Kawakami, where the team knew Cain needed the rest and they wanted to give Lincecum more home starts since his ERA is awful on the road

Michael Scott

Up early for a trip to UCSF. A relatively quiet night, I see. I’ll give you all some WAR stuff to chew on.
*Puig 3.6 WAR Pence 3.5 Should be a battle to the wire
* Notable players who are in bottom 10 : Kemp, Nate
* Top 5 WAR, SF position players 1. Pence 2. Sandoval 3. Posey 4.Pagan 5. Crawford
*Pitchers 1. MadBum 2. Hudson 3.Vogelsong 4. Petit 5. Lincecum

DrLefty

160 games a year? How many players achieve that? I’m guessing fewer than 5% of MLB players.

How about giving Belt some credit for playing three innings after sustaining a concussion, hitting an RBI double and scoring a second run with his hustle?

I know this trashing Belt thing is your schtick, but mocking him for his misfortune–these injuries were both someone else’s fault–is pretty low, even for you. I can even find it in my heart to feel some sympathy for Hanley getting hit hard twice in the same game–the second time looked like it really hurt bad.

Michael Scott

Good morning. The pulled pork was juicy, smoky, and with the charred bits called “Brownies”, which I separate out to garnish a decadent salad with roasted golden beets, arugula, and a honey balsamic dressing. “Beaten” biscuits are good with that.

This has probably been noted, but the Cardinals don’t like Hanley Ramirez.

I saw the the first plunk from the Martinez heater, but missed the second one from Rosenthal. I gather the 2nd HBP didn’t help Rosenthal’s cause in the 9th. The 2nd HBP also had potential to break bones in the hand. And most of you remember Joe Kelly drilling Ramirez in the ribs last year which possibly changed the outcome of the NLCS.

Kershaw’s retaliation was textbook by the way, so nicely done. Who knows what fireworks will ensue when they meet next? And that would be the playoffs or next year.

DrLefty

If I’m Hanley Ramirez, I come down with the flu when my team’s playing the Cardinals. There was no way that Rosenthal heater was intentional–he had Hanley 0-2 with two outs and with another strike gets out of it tied.

Had to laugh at DTT arguing that Rosenthal’s clearly unintentional HBP should earn him an ejection when Kershaw’s clearly intentional HBP did not.

I think retaliation is stupid 100% of the time. But it’s true to form for Kershaw, who’s been disciplined by the league twice before for the same offense.

DrLefty

I’m paying the bill. Also, there’s that 6 a.m. thing. Most college students are not up then. She picked out the classes–I just pushed the buttons. Mission accomplished, BTW.

So here’s the most ridiculous application of unwritten rules I think I’ve ever heard.

Colby Lewis, starting pitcher for Texas, is facing Colby Rasmus of the Blue Jays, two outs and nobody on in the fifth with the Jays up two. Rasmus hits lefty, so the Rangers shifted, and he beat the shift by bunting down the third base line for a hit.

Lewis took umbrage, saying after the game that a bunt was uncalled for with two out and a two-run lead. (Dude. It’s the fifth inning. A two-run lead is not exactly game over. And don’t shift if you want him to take a “normal” AB.) He elaborated that Rasmus was clearly just trying to pad his batting average, and that this was further proven when Rasmus didn’t try to steal and get into scoring position in the first two pitches. (Rasmus has like two stolen base attempts in the last two years. He’s not a base stealer.)

Commentary on this “incident” is running about 100% against Lewis, even from Texas fans.

Oh, and I think a Colby-on-Colby fight sounds like there should be hair-pulling and fingernail scratches. Me-ow!

Matthew

What is this odd dinosaur class called “P.E.”??

Surf Maui

James Garner died Saturday. James Garner’s real last name = Bumgarner. Related to Madison?

DrLefty

Wow, they have quite a catalog of options. She’s taking a yoga/pilates fusion class, but they also have Zumba, kick-boxing, boot camp–you name it. And 1.5 units for each class, transferable college credit! Who needs a gym? Just sign up for community college!

DrLefty

And they actually don’t call it P.E.–it’s in the “Kinesthetics” department. Your tax dollars and mine at work.

BALDHEADSLIK1

Michael Morse comment: At this point of the season i feel that resigning MM in the off season is starting to look like it may not happen.Im a tad bit disappointed in his power display up to this point however there is still a lot of baseball left. TBD

totalfan62

Me too. We began buying our own beets, roasting them in the oven and creating beet slices/bites for salad toppings, etc. WAY better than what you buy in a jar/can. That pulled pork…can’t wait until we can use Chef Michael’s recipe.

totalfan62

Yes, we riffed on that quite a bit when it was first announced. As efrain says, Cain to the #5 spot for rest, Timmy w/more home starts, and also Bum gets more road starts, where his ERA is better. All that being said, I’m still uneasy with three against the Bums and no Bum.

Matthew

I’m not one to tie $ to stats, but in this case, I will say that $6MM for what may be 25HR and 80+ RBI was a wise investment for this season. Also, his clubhouse presence seems very positive. He has obviously settled in to who he is..and with the dearth of outfielders on the team and in the system, I could see him coming back.

I am starting to prefer the idea of Belt playing a lot more LF next season if we see that I all is for real, but it’s way too early for that.

Since our bench is void of power, bringing Morse back into some sort of rotation that puts him on a part-time starter status would be a huge upgrade to the 2015 bench strength. (Cue the cries of overpaying bench players…..look south and settle down)

Foothills Ryan

what does the prefix Bum or Baum mean in German?

Tree.

Matthew

Loved the Atlanta Hawk from the 80’s, Baum Rollins

Bapah

Everyone should take organic chemistry. It’s just a survey course and the topic continually crops up in our lives. Besides, all of the courses after that terribly easy. Now acting in front of large numbers of strangers is truly terrifying.

Foothills Ryan

in all seriousness, she should take a self defense class.

learn how to effectively use the knee in close quarters – serious stuff.

BALDHEADSLIK1

Injury prone?a little concerned about his health is my main concern.

DrLefty

O-Chem is the class at UCD that makes students re-think if they really, really want to go to med school someday.

Junior has done musicals and plays since grade school, had several major acting roles in high school, and got to travel with her senior year play to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She’s also a very accomplished singer/soloist. Chemistry?–not so much. Performing in front of hundreds of people?–not a problem.

DrLefty

Yep. Scary, scary times for young women her age. She and her girlfriends are already really good about the buddy system when they go to college parties, and one of them always stays sober(!).

Panda Puffs are Delicious

Kuip saying on KNBR that Cain’s start may be in question. Really not a good sitch with him.

DrLefty

Do you have Trader Joe’s in the ATL? You can buy fresh beets ready to use for a reasonable price. That and butternut squash are two reasons I adore TJ’s–I love to cook with both of those foods but too lazy/busy to peel/chop.

totalfan62

As we expected, basically. He hasn’t been the ace we expected (or paid for) since 2012. Strong second half last year was encouraging, but his struggles this year had to be physical. No Cain, no Pagan…no playoffs, IMHO.

Cain may be not be starting. It looks like he is a big question mark health wise now. In the course of a long season I don’t think it matters what the rotation is? Pitchers have to perform and win, regardless of the matchups. The Dodgers are not going to be able to avoid Madbum the whole season. I think Bochy has info we do not, particularly when it comes to Cain’s health. It looks more and more like all those pitches The Horse has thrown in the past five or six years are catching up with him and this scares me. I really believe we need to bring up a couple of our young arms asap….

Also, I don’t think this week is any more huge than others. It remains to be seen how consistent this team is going to be. The Giants are lucky the division is weak and the Dodgers are underwhelming and under-performing. If I am Sabean I see this as a huge opportunity to win the pennant and go to the World Series.. if the team gets hot enough. But I think he needs to make a trade, for, at the very least, some bench help and an outfielder with some pop a la Cody Ross….

Peter Johnson

Cain should have had elbow cleaned out along time ago, he and Giants knew that he had bone chips in elbow for years, had all off season to get it done.

Peter Johnson

This is not something that is new, Cain is selfish not to have had off season surgery to clean out bone chips in elbow.

Moooooooooose

When you write your own rules, this is what happens.

Foothills Ryan

Unless Sabean sells farm to get help.

Foothills Ryan

May as well get under the knife now and prep for 2015.

Foothills Ryan

Things were looking up with a 6-4 stretch. But how the tides can change oh so quickly – Belt back down for 7, Cain’s elbow a significant problem, Pagan not even swinging a bat, the bench sucks, Romo’s remission was short lived.

They drop a should have won game to the Fish, now they’ve got to face some pretty good pitching in Philly and then the Dodgers with a series of lefties lined up (which negates Sandoval).

This could go poorly and selling may be easier than buying by next Monday.

All that said, a split in Philly and scratching out one versus LA (3-4) wouldn’t wouldn’t be too bad.

Peter Johnson

I am not giving up this season yet, you have no problem doing it since you are not a Giants fan, you are a Baseball fan, but not a die heart Giants fan .

If I’m the guy/the team doing the bunting then, I am screaming INTO their dugout: THEN DON’T SHIFT.
Don Zimmer/Tony Gwynn would have done it.
McCovey did it in the 60’s.

Even Bonds (Barry) did it! (Once)

DrLefty

Argggh on Cain. In-house options if he has to miss time:

Petit: We know about him.
Mike Kickham: lefty, on the 40-man. Good year overall at 7-5, 3.53, but he’s been excellent in June and July after a terrible May. Hasn’t given up a homer since May. Still walks too many.

Chris Heston: righty, not on the 40-man. Overall W-L, ERA, & WHIP similar to Kickham but has given up a LOT of HRs (15) this season.

Ty Blach: lefty, not on 40, Having an excellent season for Richmond and just started the All-Star game. Only his second full pro season (2012 draftee, college pitcher).

The three minor leaguers all started over the weekend, so it’s definitely Petit tomorrow if Cain can’t go. After that, probably Kickham(?). Blach is the best prospect of the three, but I’m sure they feel Kickham’s more major league ready.

I bet Sabean’s working on starting pitcher trade prospects. They’ve known about Cain for awhile.

Get better soon, Cainer. 🙁

Panda Puffs are Delicious

I am pretty sure Ryan just meant that Cain should prep for 2015, not the Giants as a whole team should throw in the towel.

DrLefty

Cain’s on the DL with right elbow inflammation, retro to July 11. Kontos recalled to replace him, Petit starting tomorrow.

Belt is on the 7-day DL.

DrLefty

That might be the Kontos move that caught Bochy off-guard yesterday. It never made sense that they’d bring up Kontos to replace Belt.

Peter Johnson

I want to know why the beat writers like Alex, do not ask Giants why no clean up surgery on Cain’s elbow in off season, they have been talking about bone chips in elbow for years!

Panda Puffs are Delicious

Kontos and Duvall on there way up. Ugh

Peter Johnson

That is throwing in the towel, Cain should have had off season surgery.

Eleuthero

Cain’s situation being debated below but here’s a theme coming out of the entire Giants organization as manifested in their handling of the Pagan situation, the current Cain situation, and that ridiculous start of Belt the other day ago: They’re thinking too much about short term gains when a player’s long term viability could be destroyed by playing brinkmanship with the idea of their short term return. I agree with Peter Johnson below … why didn’t Cain have the bone chips out long ago at the urging of the medical staff? Why does that medical staff diddle around with the idea of a return of a healthy Pagan this year? It’s obvious why Pagan hasn’t swung a bat i.e., one swing could turn that “bulge” into a full-blown herniation. Even in the not-very-advisable return of Pagan, we could well see him back on the DL after 20 or 30 ABs. Belt’s out for a week and, frankly, that goofy play where he scored could have cost him a SECOND conk on the head and then we’d have had a serious situation.

Since WS rings are very hard to come by, there’s always an element of short-term thinking in both players and upper management. Yes, we’re “in it” because the NL stinks this year and due to Milwaukee’s funk, there isn’t ONE team better than .552 which is the most ridiculous thing I’ve seen in 54 years of baseball watching since age 8. Cain’s bone chips are not going to “unchip” and the risk of real damage is a crapshoot. Worth it? I think not. Pagan’s disc is not going to “unherniate” especially if he’s going to keep rushing toward bat swings.

If ever there was a year to take your chances with your healthy charges, this is that year. Who knows? Maybe the NL is soooo bad that we can win with a fill-in for Cain and continuing with Pence at leadoff with a lousy lower half of the order. In any case, I think long-term, not short-term solutions should be taken to these medical problems so that we’re on better footing in subsequent years when we might not be so lucky to be shared top-dog in the NL at a ridiculously low winning percentage.

channelclemente

New Thread.

Foothills Ryan

Attababe, PJ.

channelclemente

Because Cain is a grown man who decides himself whether to have surgery. He has successfully navigated this issue for 3-4 years before he had to face the inevitable. Now, it’s time. Fan’s have been talking about this issue here since spring training year before last, particularly when people slam Cain.

Foothills Ryan

I know it. Low tide can be a downer.

Peter Johnson

Yes ,I know that and that is why I call him selfish, he did not want ruin his off season recovering from surgery, his wife just had a baby in off season .

channelclemente

LOL, more lions, more Christians, huh. It’s a game.

Peter Johnson

Yes it is a Game, but that game is paying Matt Cain more money then most people could ever dream about, he owed the Giants big time, and not having off season surgery was not a good way of paying them back.

If Susac is still working on blocking pitches in the dirt…and letting lots get by him…in Fresno (soon to be Sacramento???), that’s definitely a prime reason to leave him there for more practice.

Totally agree, blocking scuds will be key for catching Affelt, Timmy and I’d add Casilla, who doesn’t really throw scuds, his pitches just have so much spin/movement, and at high velocities, he’s probably difficult to catch too.

And, as you point out, the more subtle elements of being a catcher, calling a game, making his pitcher comfortable, etc., those are the refinements that also need time to develop.

I knew I should wait until we hear back from you before forming an opinion on Susac. Definitely, as always, worth the wait to read your report.

One last point of thanks: Thanks for reminding me, us, that young Hector was rushed to the majors, and he has had to learn in the spotlight of the big leagues because of that.
I totally agree, we gotta be patient w/ him. Even I (a big fan of young Hector) need to be reminded of that from time to time, so thanks.

I think one area where Hector is way above any other of our young catchers is in calling a game.

Part of that could be his experience calling/catching for Zito, who (whom?) I regard as the master of calling a game. I dunno anyone else in the majors who can shut down a team w/ 84mph ‘fastball’ and slower than slow big curve and molasses changeup. He called his own game, every game, and was the master at sequencing pitches. Some of that rubbed off on Hector, as I notice he really mixes/matches pitch sequences/types really well. The game he caught for Cainers vs. StL (or was it CIN?), 8 innings of shutout, was stellar. And, of course, the 2nd No-Hitter he caught for Lincecum was so crisp and efficient.

The other area where Hector shines is his rapport w/ Timmy. I think it’s as much a part of Timmy’s recent success as Timmy, himself, refining his own pitching.

My frustrations w/ Hector are when he tries to backhand scuds instead of blocking w/ his chest protector, bcuz those usually end up ricocheting off into dugouts, etc. But, that is a technical skill that can be worked on (e.g., Susac in Frez now). I guess young Hector does not have that luxury to practice out of the spotlight. He really was rushed (from single-A ball???), and for him to be catching at this level is remarkable.

Compound that w/ his recent struggles at the plate w/ the bat, which to my i, he’s always handled w/ aplomb in the past, esp for such a young guy. His epic AB in CO a month or two ago, w/ the grand slam is more of I think he really is. But, lately, seems to me he is up there guessing, thinking too much, and trying to do too much.

Well, again, thx for the report on Susac. I’m going to be more patient w/ young Hector and hope that he can race through the typical learning curve on ball-blocking, to match his game-calling and rapport w/ Lincecum. If he can get the D all polished, I’m OK w/ him w/ the bat, simply bcuz that should come around w/ his natural talent.

I think Alex reported that the 2 players SFG receive the most calls from other teams, asking for them are (1) Belt, and (2) …surprise… Hector. Also, NL scouts have been raving about Belt’s bat speed since last season.

E-B

Ketchup,

it’s quite a compliment to compare Belt w/ AGonzo, whom I regard as one of the veteran expert, masterful hitters in baseball, even w/ a surgically repaired shoulder that limits his power.

E-B

totally.
Timmy pulled those KO’s outta a magic trick hat, cuz he was totally outta gas. I don’t see those as evidence that he had plenty left in the tank. I see those pitches as a guy making a gutty effort when he had nothing left in his tank.

He’s high on Susac, but feels the SFG are doing the right thing by not rushing him up (as they did w/ Sanchez).

Vegas Giants Fan

Thanks a lot, as always. I’m glad you picked up on my comment about Sanchez. Sanchez caught 58 games at Low A Augusta in 2010. In 2011 he started the season at High A San Jose where he caught 31 games before being promoted to AAA Fresno. At Fresno (2011) he caught 42 and was called up to San Francisco in Sept. (13 games) He’s been up ever since. Buster Posey caught 64 games at A+ San Jose in 2009 and another 33 at Fresno that same year. Posey caught another 32 games at Fresno in 2010 before he was brought up to the big club. I think it’s fair to say that Posey is more talented than Sanchez yet he was given more time at Fresno and San Jose than Sanchez was plus Posey was older than Sanchez was at that stage of their careers. It’s a wonder Sanchez has done as well as he has. That’s why I have no problem with the Giants taking their time with Susac. Plus, Susac has to prove he can stay healthy, no easy task playing catcher.